Area Lead – Transportation Design

BKF Engineers

. Own and execute BKF’s transportation market strategy in Northern California, including pipeline development, pursuit performance, sales, and backlog.

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeSacramento • California • United StatesSenior💰 $174,000 - $250,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing complex transportation projects, business development, and client relationship management, with a strong focus on delivering projects on time and within budget. Proven ability to lead teams, implement quality assurance processes, and foster a positive team culture while maintaining strong relationships with transportation agencies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementBusiness DevelopmentClient Relationship ManagementTransportation Infrastructure ExpertiseTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project Management SoftwareBudget ManagementQuality Assurance ProcessesRisk Mitigation StrategiesPerformance Metrics MonitoringPipeline DevelopmentScope ManagementOperational Efficiency IdentificationTransportation DesignEngineering Project Delivery

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsProblem-Solving AbilitiesAttention to DetailProactive ApproachMentoring and Staff Development

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Civil EngineeringPE License in California

Industry Keywords

Transportation AgenciesInfrastructure OwnersNorthern CaliforniaMunicipal ProjectsTransit ProjectsAirport ProjectsPublic-Sector Decision MakersStrategic PlanningClient SatisfactionPerformance KPIs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and execute BKF’s transportation market strategy in Northern California, including pipeline development, pursuit performance, sales, and backlog.
Collaborate with other business units to provide integrated client solutions while leading transportation design opportunities.
Lead and shape major pursuits for complex highway, municipal, transit, and/or airport transportation projects.
Serve as the primary contact with transportation agency executives, program leaders, and public-sector decision makers in Northern California.
Identify and influence opportunities before procurement by shaping scope, delivery strategy, and teaming.
Oversee day-to-day operations across offices or teams within the area.
Coordinate with office leaders on firm policies and procedures.
Monitor area performance metrics and escalate issues to the Regional Lead.
Oversee project budgets and resource allocation.
Identify process improvements and operational efficiencies.
Conduct regular team meetings to review project progress and resolve issues.
Meet or exceed performance KPIs, including utilization and project profitability.
Lead engineering teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Coordinate scope, timelines, and deliverables across multiple projects.
Act as primary client contact, address concerns, and ensure satisfaction.
Develop and maintain client relationships to support business growth.
Implement quality assurance and control processes throughout the project lifecycle.
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Supervise project managers, engineers, and technical staff.
Foster a positive and inclusive team culture across area offices.
Support onboarding, training, and staff development.
Mentor emerging talent and provide input on performance reviews.
Communicate regularly with the Regional Lead and office leaders.
Report on area performance, staffing, and client activity.
Participate in strategic planning and marketing efforts promoting the firm’s regional capabilities.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 12 years of experience in the engineering industry with a focus on managing projects.
Demonstrated experience in business development and client relationship management.
Established relationships with Northern California transportation agencies and infrastructure owners, with an emphasis in the North Bay and Sacramento Valley.
Demonstrated success leading major pursuits for major transportation infrastructure projects.
Credibility as a doer-seller, combining market leadership with project delivery expertise.
Strong track record of successfully leading teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
Proficiency in project management software and tools.
Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to project management.
Keen attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field is required.
PE license in California preferred.
Experience with state, regional, and local transportation agencies is required.
Ability to regularly talk, hear, and operate a computer, keyboard, and mouse; occasionally lift, pull/push, and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
Willingness to travel to other BKF locations and client sites as required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
Generous paid time off packages.
9 Paid Holidays.
Flexible schedules.
Education reimbursement.
Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
Competitive and award-winning benefits and perks.